- Ida said the Council of Governors had taken bold and advisory steps in launching the G7 strategy focusing on the empowerment of women and ensuring their active participation in leadership particularly in women-led counties.
- "The strategy isn't just a policy document, it's a blueprint for the transformative change that it will bring to generations to come."
The G7 advisory Council was on Friday unveiled in Machakos County.
The Council was unveiled during the women governors' public event at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County hosted by Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
Mama Ida Odinga, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's spouse, presided over the event.
"I'm pleased to be here today to unveil the G7 Advisory Council. This is a significant milestone in the collective journey towards gender equality and empowerment of women in leadership across the country," Ida said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka also attended the event.
Ida said the Council of Governors had taken bold and advisory steps in launching the G7 strategy focusing on the empowerment of women and ensuring their active participation in leadership particularly in women-led counties.
"The strategy isn't just a policy document, it's a blueprint for the transformative change that it will bring to generations to come. This move has been caused by women leaders in shaping the future by bringing unique perspectives, innovation approaches and leadership styles to their positions," Ida said.
"It has also gone unnoticed that Kenyan's taste for women leadership has gone a notch higher. Today is the beginning of a journey and as we begin this journey, we want to thank all the seven women governors who have shown selfless leadership by showing willingness and holding hands of others and also younger women to come," Ida said.
She said of utmost importance, was to ensure that they retain and increase the number of women in political positions among other spaces of leadership.
"As we talk about increasing the number, it's not just about increasing the number alone, but building a new narrative that's being replicated globally in countries like South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Namibia, Mozambique, Ethiopia and many others. They have 40 percent representation in leadership. We shouldn't be left behind as Kenya," Ida said.
Idda continued:
"If those counties that I have just mentioned have 40 per cent women in leadership, why not us? I think it's high time we stop advocating for the one-third gender rule. We must raise the notch a little bit higher because a third really? The population of women in this country is 52 percent while men are 48 per cent. Surely, we can raise the notch a little bit higher," Ida said.
She said they will endeavour not to reinvent the wheel.
Ida said the advisory board was composed of powerful women who had worked hard to engender what was happening in the country.
She recognised that life and gender issues don't end with them, women.
"We want you the young women, Gen Zs to follow in our footsteps and even build this country better than how it is now. We will endeavour not to reinvent the wheel, but build on what has already been done," Ida said.
Ida said in the end, they expect clear inputs in efforts that are being made; gender sensitive and inform other voters both men and women on the electoral process.
Secondly, Ida said they wanted to fully capacitate women candidates for effective participation in electoral politics through well-targeted and focused skill transfer and training.
They are also committed to engendering political parties so that political parties' structures have more women in their leadership.
Ida said they were equally advocating for gender-sensitive media that is responsive to women candidates through media training and facilitating the creation of a network between media and candidates.
"We can't do this alone. The success of these seven strategies is the Council's work. We depend on our ability to build strong networks and partnerships. We must work closely with our county governments, private sector, civil society and international partners to amplify our impact," Ida said.
"These partners will be crucial and this starts from the MCAs. I know many counties have few female elected leaders, that's why we top it up by nominations," Ida said.
She said women MCAs must be included in leadership equitably.
"In our journey, we should not just look at the political area alone, we shouldn't look at the G7 alone, we must start from the grassroots. We must always remain committed to the principles of G7 whose clarion call is from G7 to G24. Let's support and uplift the women in our communities who have to lead. Let's work together to create fully inclusive Kenya," Ida said.
Ida said women and men should work together hand in hand to end discrimination and inequalities.
"I call upon all our leaders, partners and citizens to continue the work that has been started. Provide resources and share best practices that can be replicated across the country. We must also recognise the invaluable roles that make men our allies in this journey," Ida said.